1.    The state auditor shall establish a higher education audit division and employ a division audit manager to perform all audit related functions of the state board of higher education, including the examination and evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of the board’s governance, risk management, internal controls, performance of constitutionally and statutorily required duties, and other areas as determined by the state auditor. The audit manager shall conduct audits, as determined appropriate by the state auditor, of each institution under the supervision and control of the state board of higher education. The audit manager may consult with the state board of higher education, or a committee designated by the board, regarding audit plans, results of audit activities, and any other appropriate issue. The state auditor shall determine the audit scope and related audit areas of any audit conducted by the audit manager. This section does not require the state auditor to perform any duties that would compromise the auditor’s independence under government auditing standards.

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2.    The audit manager may access and examine any record under the control of the state board of higher education. For purposes of reviewing records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act [20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR 99] or any other federal privacy law, the audit manager must be considered a state educational official authorized to access student records for audit purposes.

3. The state auditor may hire employees necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this section. The state auditor may hire consultants to assist with any duties required under this section subject to approval by the legislative audit and fiscal review committee. The state board of higher education shall pay for the cost of any consultant approved under this section.

4.    This section does not prohibit the state board of higher education from employing internal audit staff or contracting for internal audit services.